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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The marriage between young Rouncewell and Rosa is nixed because ___________.

2. Boythorn has property issues with ___________.

3. Lady Dedlock has assumed for years that her daughter had ___________.

4. Mr. Jarndyce is the ___________.

5. Although Mr. George has a sample of handwriting sought by Smallweed, ___________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the purpose of the Ghost Walk?

2. What is Mr. Guppy's interest in revealing the connection between Esther and Lady Dedlock? Why does he persist in getting involved?

3. Discuss Krook's Rag and Bottle Shop? Is he a good businessman? Is there anything symbolic about the shop?

4. Who is Volumnia Dedlock? Discuss her role and her physical appearance.

5. Who is Mr. Vholes in this story? What is his role in Richard's life?

6. The story has turned into a whodunit. Why is lady Dedlock suspected of murdering Mr. Tulkinghorn?

7. Discuss the ending of the story. What is Dickens' intention when he allows Esther to live on happily after all that has taken place?

8. what is to become of Krook's Rag and Bottle house, now that he has died? Is its disposition a surprise?

9. How could Esther feel responsible for Mr. Boythorn's sadness? In addition, what does this imply about Esther?

10. What is Mrs. Snagsby's problem? What is comical about her behavior at the "improvement" of Jo?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is much intrigue and undelivered communication that makes the plot of Bleak House complex and, at times, confusing. Examine in an essay all the ways in which Dickens portrays the dangers of mixed messages and miscommunication in Bleak House.

Essay Topic 2

The Rouncewell family is in the iron business, Mr. Rouncewell being an "ironmaster." Research industrial progress in England in the 1850s, what had been accomplished by that time, and what was in the works. How did industry affect the country, in general, at that time?

Essay Topic 3

Dickens' writing style in Bleak House often resembles or illustrates his subject matter. Discuss this idea, and if you agree that this is the author's intent, provide examples.. Does this literary device help to drive home Dickens' points? Is there a name for this method? Give examples and quotes that illustrate how Dickens' writing mimics his subject matter.

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